Weak signals are cause for concern. Behind the ultra-majority figures celebrating the quality of the Franco-German relationship, cracks are emerging. Admittedly, 82% of people questioned by the Odoxa institute for Le Figaro have a good opinion of Germany, regardless of political opinion. Even LFI or RN supporters, whose parties regularly make anti-German speeches, have a good image of the country (87% and 73% respectively). 83% of French people also consider that the relationship is good between the two countries. But the Franco-German tandem seems to be dysfunctional according to a large part of the French.
The detail of the survey gives a finer appreciation of French sentiment towards Germany. While 54% of respondents think the relationship is balanced, 37% think it primarily benefits Berlin; 8% that it is favorable to France.
Economically and politically, Germany seems to have dictated its law in Europe for more than twenty years, whether it concerns stability criteria or industrial policies. This observation influences the perception of common policies. The overall image of Germany, while remaining good, has lost 9 points since 2020. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s popularity rating has also plummeted in one year by 18 points from 83% to 65% positive opinions. This wavering in public opinion reflects the political tensions between the two governments.
Misunderstanding reigns. On social networks, analyzed by Véronique Reille-Soult of Backbone Consulting, “Internet users deplore that the needle of the Franco-German ‘compass’ points a little too much towards Berlin”, she says. Subject by subject, the critics are heard. The main one is nuclear. 51% of French people say they have a bad opinion of Germany’s energy policy. The abrupt and uncoordinated abandonment of nuclear power by Angela Merkel in 2011 left its mark. For a decade, German coal-fired power plants have been heavily polluting. At a time of decarbonization of economies, the price to pay is heavy. To support the renewables sector, Berlin criticizes the French choices to relaunch new power plants.
This is not the only sticking point. But surprisingly, Germany’s migration policy does not arouse majority protest. Only 37% of respondents have a bad opinion of it. Angela Merkel’s assumed choice not to close the country’s borders in 2015 had saved hundreds of thousands of Syrians fleeing the war, but it had destabilized an already very fragile European asylum policy. Overall, 39% of respondents have a bad opinion of German decisions on European policies. The results also reflect a misunderstanding in France about how Europe works. Berlin would have a better ability to create compromise there.
